push-button

1 of 2

adjective

push-but·​ton ˈpu̇sh-ˌbə-tᵊn 

1

: operated or done by means of push buttons

a push-button phone

2

: using or dependent on complex and more or less self-operating mechanisms that are put in operation by a simple act comparable to pushing a button

push-button warfare

push button

2 of 2

noun

: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit

Examples of push-button in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, interior ambient lighting, and a 12-volt power outlet. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

Platform engineering teams are becoming the unsung heroes of the enterprise, building internal developer platforms that turn Kubernetes clusters into push-button application platforms. —Ramasankar Molleti, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

One cool aspect of the e-design is that, if the computer on the handlebars feels too busy and cumbersome, there’s an easy push button on the top tube that allows the rider to change power modes with ease. —Stephanie Pearson, WIRED, 25 July 2024

Indeed, like so many other contests this postseason, Game 6 would require Roberts to push buttons and pull levers with his patchwork pitching staff, having nothing but relievers available to cover nine season-defining innings. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

push-button

1 of 2 adjective

1

: operated or done by means of push buttons

a push-button phone

2

: using or dependent on complicated automatic machines

push-button warfare

a push-button civilization

push button

2 of 2 noun

: a small button or knob that when pushed operates something especially by closing an electric circuit